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SAREP's Three Major Themes:
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ENSURING THE LONG-TERM VIABILITY OF CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE
Crop
and Livestock Production
Organic Farming Information
Alternatives to Methyl Bromide
Many California producers are modifying the way they farm and seeking new ways of managing their businesses to stay both profitable and environmentally sensitive. They are combining information, management skills, and determination to develop production systems that meet the demands of society, address concerns for the natural environment, and provide economic security for their families and businesses. This transition is the essence of sustainable agriculture.
Through a yearly competitive grants program, SAREP develops and extends information across a range of topics and production systems in California. The program funds both basic and applied research projects, as well as education and demonstration programs of research-based technologies and systems. Funded projects typically address one or more of the following areas:
- Increased reliance on biological, cultural, and other pest management methods that are environmentally safe and reduce the use of nonrenewable energy;
- Management of the soil
to improve soil quality and reduce the off-site movement of soil, nutrients
and pesticides;
- Reduction or elimination of reliance on agricultural chemicals;
- Diversification of crops
and/or livestock and the surrounding habitat to enhance the biological and
economic stability of the farm or ranch;
- Organic farming methods.
With SAREP's emphasis on sustainability and environmental quality, many of the projects supported look specifically at the dynamics of organic production systems. Of all SAREP grants funded from 1987 to 2002, 19 percent of the funds went to projects with direct relevance to organic farming and food systems. Another 60 percent was awarded to projects dealing with materials and practices that could be applicable to or adapted to organic systems.
To complement production-oriented research grants, SAREP also offers grants for graduate student research and educational events. Those eligible to apply for SAREP grants include researchers affiliated with California non-profit, tax-exempt organizations and California public and private institutions of higher education.
In 1999, SAREP launched a specialized grants program targeting alternatives to methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been identified as an ozone-depleting substance, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prohibited the production and importation of methyl bromide starting January 1, 2005. Although several potential chemical and non-chemical alternatives to methyl bromide have been identified, none have been adequately evaluated for their effectiveness within California farming systems. SAREP is supporting six projects aimed at filling that information gap and helping producers prepare for the changes ahead.
In addition to its competitive grants, SAREP works with a variety of organizations to examine critical issues and educate producers, extension professionals, public policy makers and others about sustainable farming and ranching practices. These outreach efforts complement and extend the research projects SAREP is supporting. Educational programs include research symposia, conferences, and numerous workshops and field days on a range of topics related to agricultural sustainability. SAREP is also involved in producing publications and other educational/information resources aimed at producers and extension professionals.
Project Examples:
